Welcome to the Greater Merrimack Valley

Starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, the film telling the life story of Lowell boxer 'Irish' Micky Ward is set to be released on December 10, 2010. Filmed in Lowell and surrounding towns during the summer of 2009, be sure to look for some familiar places (and faces!) in the background scenes. For information on the film, visit the link below.

On July 12 the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism released its long-awaited list of 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts. The list, with entries from across the Commonwealth, includes 27 places in the Greater Merrimack Valley. Congratulations to all that were named! To see the complete list, visit the link below.

Our hotels are offering some great summertime deals, just what you need to celebrate everyone's favorite season. Click on the link below for details!

Restaurants throughout the Greater Merrimack Valley region will participate in the Second Annual Restaurant Showcase. Food lovers can sample the best that each participating restaurant has to offer with fixed prices starting at just $9.10. The two-week event kicks off on July 29th at Lowell's LeLacheur Park, home of the Lowell Spinners, with the Summer Sam Fest celebration. Come experience food samplings and take part in our Sam Adams comparative beer tasting while enjoying live music provided by Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion. All proceeds will benefit the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. See the link below for more details.

From Walden Woods State Reservation in Concord to the new Bruce Freeman Rail Trail spanning Lowell, Chelmsford and Westford, the Greater Merrimack Valley is the perfect place to hit the trail this summer. Pack a picnic lunch and get the kids (and maybe even the dog) into the car for a fun, free day of fresh air and sunshine. You'll get a little closer to nature, and to each other. For a listing of the Greater Merrimack Valley's forests and state parks check out the link below.

If you missed it in the theaters you can now watch "The Invention of Lying" on DVD, filmed in the city of Lowell during the summer of 2008. Invite your friends over to watch and see who can spot Lowell's La Boniche Restaurant, The Dubliner, Market Street, Central Street, the Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank, and the unmistakable sign of the Athenian Corner! You may even spot a few familiar faces in the crowd. Visit the link below to view the movie trailer.